Plans for a new community park at Papdale have taken a major step forward with planning approval.

Orkney Islands Council's Planning committee have green lit the project, which will see an area of green space transformed into a new park. The approved plans, which cover phase 1 of the project, include uncovering the culverted stream to create a meandering burn through the site, construction of a network of paths and bridges, a community plaza with road crossing to Kirkwall Grammar School, native tree and shrub planting, wildflower meadows, and proposed car parking.

The Council is leading this phase of the project, before handing the reins to Papdale East Play Association (PEPA) to ejuvenate and redevelop the play area within the park for phase 2.

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The design team led by HarrisonStevens landscape architects have been working with OIC, PEPA and other stakeholders on the detailed design work and funding sources.

Further engagement will take place ahead of the phase two PEPA-led project to rejuvenate and redevelop the play area within the community park.

OIC Leisure and Culture Service Manager, Garry Burton, said: "The redevelopment of Papdale Park has been a longstanding aspiration of the community - we're pleased to now have planning permission we need to bring to life the vision for a better-quality green space with shelter, plants and improved footpath and cycle ways in the area, for all to enjoy.

"These developments will provide much more benefit and opportunities to enjoy the space than simply redeveloping the play area itself would have allowed, and are a credit to the foresight and community spirit which has been at the forefront of all the consultation activity to date."

PEPA Chairwoman Lorraine Craigie added: "We're very excited about today's decision and really want to thank the community and everyone who has contributed ideas over the course of the project so far and helped shape what will be a fantastic community space. We look forward to consulting with the community about play park design in coming months."